Why This Is the Most Slept on Leica Rangefinder

[@Tomzhinsky]

This is by far my favorite film camera. I'm surprised by the fact that there is not many videos about the Hexar RF. Shutter speed of 1/4000, amazing viewfinder, very accurate light meter, auto exposure, light weight, and Leica M mount. This camera paired with the Voigtlander 35mm 1.4 is my perfect combo

[@scotttuckerphotography]

Just a word of caution before anyone rushes out to spend $1200 on this...rule of thumb with cameras with electronic winders/etc, if it's 20+ years old, just know your camera can turn into a very pretty brick at any time...and there's no one copy of this camera less than 21 years old now.

[@owRekssjfjxjxuurrpqpqss]

Yeah. Done buying film cameras with electronics, period. Ever since my t2 died (twice), I’m just leaving it as a brick for now and shooting manual cameras. As much as I loved the lens and convenience of the t2, it’s not worth paying for a second repair ($500, at a minimum) when it could definitely fail for a third time because the parts are ancient and weren’t made to last

[@venom2k2]

Preach! This is exactly what kept me away from this camera. If you have good repair shops and the money, go for it. It is a risky investment. Beautiful camera, no lie. But it is old.

[@reallybadtracking]

Thank you, I looked at the RF for the past year or two off and on. Passed it up due to that fact entirely. Went with fully mechanical lmao

[@bubbachua]

Agree, buying a film camera reliant on electronics that is no longer in production is a sure risk… full mechanical is probably the way to go

[@steveborghardt]

Yeah I hear that - wont stop me from enjoying my Hexar RF or my Contax G1 - I also have 2 folks out there that specialize in fixing the Contax,and Hexar cameras so all is not lost and hopeless. Even the great Youxin Ye sometimes gets Barnak's or M series film cameras in that are just not fixable and he sends them back. I love shooting with my Leica 1C and especially my Leica IIIf when I want the fully manual experience. If I'm shooting a wedding where the client wants the look of film - The Hexar or G1 are the ones I'm taking with me - no need to worry about missed shots due to the time it takes to change a film spool or even winding the film. It's a different shooting experience for sure but to me the discounted price is soo worth it.

[@jayare3062]

I stopped watching for a few months and i open this video and the coloring of the video is insane to me. What the frick did you dooooo love it

[@johnlarsson4437]

I use both film and digital. If cost weren’t a factor I’d shoot film primarily. This video hits on a point with which I absolutely can relate. When I returned to film a few years ago my first slr was (and still is,) a Nikon f100. This is where I can especially relate. The first few rolls hit home and reinforced my love for the medium. However, the memories of the full mechanical experience soon told me this camera was too digital an experience. Next up was an OM1 and that provided me the experience I desired. I really enjoy your work even though I’m not a street shooter. The elements of your choice of subject are an influence not to be overlooked. You do inspire and you obviously do shoot film throughout your YT history. Please don’t stop. I’d love to see more of your art through film. Thanks Faisal.

[@jimhofman3179]

I've been shooting analog Leica for several years, then bought a Contax G2. The Leicas are gathering dust now. There are SO MANY modern features on the G2 that I wish the Leicas had. The autofocus is amazing (most of the time). I paid the design-tax and bought the black version to match the rest of my camera collection.

[@protest92]

Just my 2 cents opinion: If you can afford it, don’t hesitate. There are so many amazing cameras and life is too short to try them all. And like you, they are not getting any younger. So, enjoy them till you can. The real problem is not about reliability and electronics but the fact that this model has been produced for a very short period. You can’t compare it to M models that have been manufactured for centuries in a ton more quantities. Of course, there would be more parts and technicians available. So yes, buying a M2, M3, M4; etc. is defiantly a better investment. But that doesn’t make the Hexar a less of a camera. It is truly an amazing peace of engineering. And if it brakes after the 10th or 20th roll of film, just be happy that you had the opportunity to use it for this time. And don’t forget that there a lot of electronic cameras made in the 80s, that are still going strong. And most of us analog freaks, have a few more cameras lying around. So if the Hexar brakes, just grab another one from your colleciton and continue shooting. Thanks for the great video!

[@avarage_consumer5779]

Man your videos are some of the only ones that actually make my stress go away

[@Caballeroshot]

I just picked one of these up, waiting to get a lens delivered to try it out. It feels very well made and dense, very heavy for such a small camera. Shutter sounds awesome to me, and while it has its tech to make it more modern, I really like that top shutter speed of 4000 that no film leica has.

[@z00w00zs]

Nice to see that Faizal still shoots film ... at least sometimes. The silver M3 deserves a video about it!

[@charleslsmith2012]

Your taste in music only enhances the Fiazal Westcott Experience. Your images and production are tight. Very smooth. Thank you, and keep it up.

Mine sometimes refuses to take a picture too - I figured it was due to the camera going to sleep after a while to save power - so I tend to tap the shutter button whenever I anticipate some action so that it wakes up. Haven't had issues other than me pushing in the viewfinder glass by gripping it too hard 😅I figure that any working examples that survived up until now are blessedly free of any electronic gremlins out of the factory. (paradoxically, I've had more electronic issues with my M6TTL - but yeah, the shutter still fired) Never did find the RF to be much lighter than the other M's though.

[@H2A2I00]

What timing, I just picked one up after weeks of contemplating. Yes- the electronics concern will always be there. Repairs may be possible but will be expensive. That said, the only true competition to this camera is an M7. I have a Leica M4-2, I enjoy it a lot. However, the AE function here is really helpful in speeding things up in mixed light situations and it provides peace of mind if I want to hand off the camera for someone to photograph me. Full manual has its merits and in rapid fire street photography, I think relying on autofocus will never be quite as good as pre-setting your settings and firing away. That said, for me, this camera shoots at a speed that is in keeping with my pace with many of the comforts that are really handy when needed

[@iconindexsymbol]

Many reliable cameras have electronic shutters: Pentax 67, Nikon F3, Mamiya RZ67. I wouldn't worry that much about the Hexar RF bricking.

[@songchangeun]

I 've owned 3 copies...... The biggest problem with this camera aside from from the electrical board giving up, is that the rangefinder calibration is very very very very very prone to going off.. If you don't know how to self-calibrate,,,, it's going to be a big problem for you along the way... Best bit for this camera is that the viewfinder magnification is X0.6, which is great if you frequently shoot wider lenses.. Finding a Leica M camera with X0.58 magnification is a very challenging yet expensive task...

[@nvrumi]

Thanks for another very well done video. I do love your choice in soundtracks and I'm a boomer! (But, I have a wide taste in music...) The Konica Hexar RF is truly a suitable object of lust. I've been watching them for over ten years, but never hit the "buy button." Do not discount the Hexar/Hexanon lenses. Konica built some fine glass. I have an extensive collection of Hexanon glass (AR mount) that I shoot adapted to my Sony body. I need to get my Autoreflex T3 out and run some film through it. I had Greg Weber do the battery conversion long ago so it will use alkaline batteries. Like many commenters already mentioned, there is an element of risk to old electronic cameras. I'm not sure that this would prevent me from buying a Hexar RF as I have several vintage film cameras with electronics. But, this year I started looking at my mechanical cameras more carefully with that aging fact in mind. I bought a Nikon F2as in January then had it serviced by my favorite technician. It came back with everything but the 1/2000th shutter speed in spec. That camera will outlast me. And I have a collection of vintage Nikkor glass that will keep me shooting the rest of my life. I sure appreciate the work you do, sir. I find your videos interesting, relaxing, and instructional. Thank you.

[@EADuskk]

Would love to see more film street photography!!

[@DavidBirchphoto1.]

The music, the video work and camera are top notch. Keep up the great work.

[@xjuanx92]

Great camera. Replaced my Leica M4-2 with it. Film suggestion, check out Ilford Ortho it’s become my fav BW portrait film. Specially with wider aperture lenses. Camera suggestion, love my Fuji Klasse, it’s exceptional.

[@nicolasfilsdejean]

Hello, thanks for this great video and I do love your music choice!!. It’s funny how the AE function actually was presented as a neat feature to quicken the process of taken a picture.....but it slows you down😅. I haven’t used this camera but I’d compare it to a Voigtlander Bessa R2A which has the ONE feature I regret Leica M caméras lack: a fast(er) shutter speed which is the great advantage of these Leica copies (up to 1/4000’s on your Konika).

[@tomislavmiletic_]

If I'd be on the search for the M mount camera, this one would be high on the list, along with say Bessa R2M or R3M. But on the other hand, when I want an rangefinder experience, I'll just use one of my Zorki's. Which are, just like Leica M6, quite indestructible. And for 1/10th of the price of Konica Hexar RF. Or 1/20th of the price of Leica M6 (on average). With the 50mm lens. Just saying... And BTW, good music choice :-)

[@lightloving683]

Didn’t sleep on the HRf, owned one (or two) couple of decades. My fair weather Rf as I’ve settled to shooting at 640-800 with my film. Usually with a 28 and/or 40. A preference for manual mode in most situations; quicker on the trigger.

[@leeducanh1110]

Looking forward to seeing you hold the Leica M8 and go out for some street photography someday!

[@whoiscameronrollins]

just a wonderful video, love the way new york is portrayed through your eyes 👏

[@ReimannPembroke]

Yo what is that dope font??

[@emersonsea22]

Great video. Loved the music. Would be happy to watch more videos about film cameras

[@vivekp.5210]

It’s a beautiful camera, very well designed and constructed

[@SurajCdry]

Everything is so beautiful when it's from Faizal.

[@ralphfrattura]

So the location pieces were each done in a different aspect ratio by, I assume, Matej Sefcik. They were very nice. Can you give us the particulars of his work? How did he get that nice old-time feel? Thanks for your good work, and his too.

[@matsefcik]

Everyone is talking about the camera but we gotta talk more about these photos 🙌🏻

[@AlejandroVisuals]

I wouldn’t recommend buying this camera. I've bought it twice over the past 2 years, once from KEH and one from eBay (both rated Exc+), and neither one worked out. After a couple of rolls, both started having electronic issues. If you’re looking for a film camera, go for something mechanical. I bought a Leica M3 in 2019 and still working great and my copy is from 1959.

[@michaelruss9604]

5:41 this isn’t how it’s supposed to operate - if it’s working properly it will be metering actively for about 20secs after you half press, and will fire the shutter immediately when you press the button.

[@ulfjonsson2122]

Very nice video, the disturbing shutter sound is the film wind

[@ZappaBlues]

I remember REALLY wanting one of these, but I was in my usual can't afford it state of being. I used to own a Konica nT3 - I liked that camera.

[@jayeypi]

Man, I love the color grading of this video. What do you use for editing? I'd love to learn

[@JesusLopez-gn5pl]

What did you use to color your video and if you are selling the power grad

[@RewDowns]

Love your style, those eyeglasses are super dope, what are those?

[@ernestthomas9406]

I'm shooting more film now and would like to see more film & film camera related videos related to urban & street photography

[@dbugatto]

Nice , slick , informative and sophisticated vid .

[@mashudali8482]

I always wanted this camera - nice one

[@SuneetDash]

Do you still have your minolta CLE?

[@VincenzoNoletto]

Hi! I have one,and every time I use that I think: I think I want an M10 😂 It’s a very digital experience, you’re right

[@AndersBakfeldt]

Awesome grading on the park scenes!

[@Andrew-hd1dh]

New glasses look great on you

[@belivmi]

this camera is just crazy good, unbelievable that the price is still so low

[@hukumongdu]

well not anymore 😂

[@belivmi]

@@hukumongdu lucky I got this amazing camera before the price stonks

[@avdidit]

What a beautiful device

[@buckleyrobinson7415]

For that price I'd get an m3 or m4. A built-in light meter is overrated, but admittedly is beginner friendly.

[@osmanhat]

we need a video about your leica lenses pleaseeeeeee

[@JDtheComposer]

more film content plz 🙂

[@rickwink]

well this destroys the affordability of this camera. everyone is trying to buy this camera after this video hahahaha

[@boqian5834]

it is never that cheap in fact

[@rickwink]

@ compared to the Leica m range they definetely are 😉

[@reallybadtracking]

It won’t be that bad. The HEXAR RF can’t be repaired anymore. So while they may have a little hike, it’ll stay fairly similar prices. Edit: Can’t be repaired by Konica^

[@steveborghardt]

@@reallybadtracking They can absolutely be repaired - but no - not by Konica - then again I wouldnt send my Leica's into Leica for repairs as by the time you get them back from Leica you've likely forgotten you've even owned one...

[@rubercoober]

I've been putting off buying one for a while now, gonna be real salty if this video pushes up the prices lmao Re: the camera not taking the photo if the exposure is deemed "incorrect" or the meter struggling to calculate exposure - this used to happen every so often with my Contax G2. If I remember right the way around it was either to switch to manual exposure to "force" it to be okay with the exposure, or to engage the AE Lock.

[@14tsiegel1]

great color grading

[@loulou704]

I wouldn’t compare this to the contax g series. The contax g2 is not an optical rangefinder and uses autofocus. The experience between the two cameras are not the same.

[@daniil_dobryanskiy]

So cool color grade

[@niceup1177]

cool cam, but its crazy heavy

[@randomrob2221]

Might actually buy one, what lense would you recommend to go with it?

[@nohandle54]

Music is tops. Editing to music is tops. Well done. Yes please more film-related content. I've recently decided to get back into film more - when I look at my photos I feel like I've lost something when I shoot digital. I can't explain it - but Im a better shooter with film.

[@RumoHasIt]

YES

[@francos8109]

It’s an amazing camera with great metering and impeccable build quality. The negative comments are such trash. “They are 20 years old”…yes and they still work. That’s great quality, imagine buying something and having it STILL WORK. If and when they break…okay, who cares.

[@kenduejones]

Nice

[@davidsaad556]

If you can get over the 'Leica aesthetic' nonsense, and you want a true film experience, pick up a Nikon F3HP. If the body is in reasonably good shape, you can assume the life-span of the shutter to be reasonable too.

[@michaelruss9604]

As someone who owns a hexar rf this is painfully true😂

[@jfcrtr]

Comment for the algo

[@Lanesra71]

Another future electronic brick. It’s as good as the elevator music on this video. Save your money and invest in some good glass. Worst camera I’ve ever owned.

[@michaelruss9604]

U ever try to get it repaired man?

[@JuanHurrea]

" the most slept on Leica M camera: the Leica M6 TTL "